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Sydney WorldPride Human Rights Conference 2023

Sydney WorldPride HUMAN RIGHTS CONFERENCE 2023

1 – 3 MARCH 2023

Over 2,000 in person and 1,200 remote delegates

203 international delegates from 57 countries

230 local and international presenters

25 exhibitors

Highly accessible event featuring accessibility infrastructure, Auslan intrepreters and audio description

Sustainability, diversity equity and inclusivity focus supported by ICC Sydney’s resources and Legacy Program

OVERVIEW

ICC Sydney was selected to host the biggest LGBTQIA+ Sydney WorldPride Human Rights Conference ever to be held in the Southern Hemisphere in recognition of its approach and commitment to sustainability, diversity, equity and inclusion. The three-day conference explored LGBTQIA+ human rights, combining inspiring keynotes, panels and roundtables with interactive workshops, performances, and networking events.

The successful execution of this event relied heavily on ICC Sydney’s capacity to offer inclusive, sustainable, and accessible services. ICC Sydney assisted the client to ensure the requirements of the diverse delegation were met and provided specialised resources and support.

“ICC Sydney were great collaborative partners from the very beginning of this event and were incredibly aligned in the values we were trying to achieve. Whether it be accessibility, diversity or inclusion, the team shared our dedication in ensuring our delegates felt safe, accepted, and welcomed in the venue.”

Kate Wickett, CEO, Sydney WorldPride

Accessible to all

In addition to ICC Sydney’s built-in accessibility features and services, including accessible toilets, ramps, lifts, braille signage and complimentary hearing augmentation devices, Sydney WorldPride implemented further accessibility measures including Auslan interpreters for every session, and additional international sign language (ISL) interpreters for the plenary sessions. Access to audio description via the LiveVoice smartphone app assisted delegates who are vision impaired.

Championing inclusivity

ICC Sydney administered bespoke changes to the venue to accommodate the diverse needs of delegates. Inclusive, nongendered bathroom signage replaced ICC Sydney’s standard toilet signage throughout the event space in the Convention Centre. ICC Sydney’s meeting rooms were converted into mental health resources including a wellbeing lounge, sensory room and therapy room with additional creative spaces in the Gallery.

First Nations focus

As part of its commitment to Reconciliation, ICC Sydney supported Sydney WorldPride’s mission to incorporate First Nations representation in the event delivery. A dedicated First Nations gathering space was established in the Convention Centre meeting rooms for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to facilitate traditional yarning circles, feel connected to their community and celebrate their identity within a safe and inclusive space. The start of each day’s session was marked by a Welcome to Country in Darling Harbour Theatre to acknowledge, celebrate and pay respect to Traditional Owners of the land on which ICC Sydney stands and operates.

Achieving carbon friendly events

ICC Sydney’s strong commitment to corporate social responsibility and environmental sustainability was fundamental to Sydney WorldPride’s ability to deliver a fully sustainable, carbon neutral event. ICC Sydney worked to deliver the Human Rights Conference in accordance with the detailed requirements established by the WorldPride Planning Committee within their overarching sustainability plan. This included replacing all plastic water bottles with more sustainable options and distributing waste stream bins to divert waste
from landfill throughout the event space. ICC Sydney’s team provided the organiser with expert support to review relevant waste planning legislation and identify suitable waste management resources to help reduce the event’s overall landfill footprint.

To better understand the client’s carbon footprint over the three-day event, ICC Sydney estimated Sydney WorldPride’s utility spend across water, electricity and gas, based on delegate numbers, duration, and footprint of the event.

Sydney WorldPride Human Rights Conference in ICC Sydney 2023

“ICC Sydney’s team has been a highlight of this event in bringing it to life and creating such a memorable experience for our delegates. To successfully deliver this event we required several bespoke changes to the venue in which the team were extremely accommodating, cooperative and supportive of.”

Lily Stokes, Human Rights Conference Producer, Sydney WorldPride

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